Posts from the ‘Lab news’ Category

Sep 19

Spotlight: Undergrad researcher, Michelle Dan

Michelle is spending a semester in the lab investigating beetle colouration, using specimens on loan from Museum Victoria.

Sep 19

What does the bee see?

How can miniature brains process complex visual information? In the case of the honey bee, there is much more than meets the eye!

Apr 8

New study on colour-changing dragons!

We have recently launched a study to investigate how and why bearded dragons change colour. The study will allow us to examine what triggers colour change and any impact these changes have on the lizards...

Jul 9

Promiscuous squid fatigued after mating

Our research into the energetic costs of mating in dumpling squid (Euprymna tasmanica) revealed that copulation significantly reduces the endurance of both sexes, and they can take up to 30 minutes to recover...

May 15

Colour variation speeds up evolution

In a recent study into colour polymorphism in birds, we found that the presence of multiple colour forms leads to the rapid generation of new species using an extensive data set collected over several decades...

Apr 29

Female lizards roll over to avoid sex

Female Lake Eyre dragons have evolved remarkable adaptations to avoid sex. To avoid male harassment and unwanted copulation attempts, female Lake Eyre dragons flip over onto their backs, exposing bright orange colour patches...

Jan 29

Colour change evolved for communication

In a study on dwarf chameleons, we found colour change evolved as a way to communicate using conspicuous signals that can be flashed to another chameleon, rather than for camouflage....